Toddler beds & Montessori floor beds

When to move out of the cot

There's no set age. Common signs are climbing out of the cot, or needing the cot for a new baby. If your child sleeps well in a cot bed, you can usually convert it to a toddler bed rather than buy a new one.

Toddler bed or floor bed?

Always check the mattress size and any age guidance on the product page.

What makes a bed "Montessori"?

The idea comes from the Montessori approach to independence: a bed low enough for a child to get into and out of without help. In practice that means a floor-level bed, often with a house-style frame that can take a canopy or fairy lights. Because the child can get up on their own, the whole room needs to be safe to explore.

Making the room toddler-safe

• Secure chests of drawers, wardrobes and shelves to the wall. The CCPC's furniture safety advice explains how.
• Keep blind and curtain cords out of reach.
• Socket covers and a stair gate at the top of the stairs if the bedroom door will be open.
• Never hang anything with a cord or string from the bed frame.

Next steps

• Toddler beds (29)
• Montessori beds (19)
• House beds (27)
• Toddler mattresses (4)

When it's time for a bigger bed, see kids' beds by age.